Relating to determining eligibility for indigent health care.
Impact
The impact of HB 655 is expected to be significant, as it alters key provisions related to how counties evaluate individuals seeking indigent health care assistance. Specifically, the bill mandates that counties must not consider the value of an applicant's homestead in determining their eligibility. It also sets clear parameters regarding which resources can be included in the eligibility assessment, such as considering equity value of vehicles and other properties. These changes aim to provide a fairer, more consistent process that can help more individuals access necessary health services.
Summary
House Bill 655 seeks to amend the eligibility criteria for indigent health care in Texas. The legislation aims to align the standards for determining eligibility with those used in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families-Medicaid program. The bill is designed to simplify the application and verification processes, making them less restrictive and thereby potentially increasing access to health care for indigent individuals. It specifically prohibits counties from adopting more restrictive eligibility standards than those already established under the mentioned programs, ensuring a uniform approach across the state.
Contention
While the bill has the potential to increase access to health care, there are concerns regarding its fiscal implications. Critics may question whether these changes could lead to increased costs for county health programs if a larger number of individuals become eligible for assistance. Additionally, there may be discussions about the efficacy of the current Medicaid and Temporary Assistance frameworks, as changes to eligibility might necessitate a review of these programs' budgets and operations to accommodate the influx of new applicants.
Notable_points
Another noteworthy aspect of HB 655 is its definition of 'sponsored aliens,' which outlines how their income and resources should be assessed in eligibility determinations. This addition sheds light on the complexities of healthcare eligibility for immigrants and could spark further debate regarding healthcare access for non-citizen residents. Overall, HB 655 represents a shift towards a more inclusive approach to indigent healthcare in Texas, highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to essential health services.
Relating to implementation of an express lane option for determining eligibility and enrolling certain individuals in Medicaid or the child health plan program.
Relating to implementation of an express lane option for determining eligibility and enrolling certain individuals in Medicaid or the child health plan program.
Relating to implementation of an express lane option for determining eligibility and enrolling certain individuals in Medicaid or the child health plan program.
Relating to implementation of an express lane option for determining eligibility and enrolling certain individuals in Medicaid or the child health plan program.
Relating to implementation of an express lane option for determining eligibility and enrolling certain individuals in Medicaid or the child health plan program.
Relating to implementation of an express lane option for determining eligibility and enrolling certain individuals in Medicaid or the child health plan program.
Relating to the terminology used to refer to certain disabilities and to an individualized education team for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for special education services and providing those services in public schools.
Relating to the development and implementation of the Live Well Texas program and the expansion of Medicaid eligibility to provide health benefit coverage to certain individuals; imposing penalties.